A festive event took an alarming turn in Palm Springs this past Saturday at the Festival of Lights parade when a police officer mounted on a motorcycle plowed into an assembly of spectators. The collision occurred around 6:00 P.M. on the parade route at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road, resulting in injuries to ten people, including the involved officer. As confirmed by NBC Los Angeles, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening, and all individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Among the injured was a two-year-old child, adding a particular severity to the sobering incident.

Despite the chaos, details on what prompted the crash have not been readily disclosed. The California Highway Patrol has taken the helm in the investigation efforts and is scouring for any recordings or images of the crash from members of the public. In a statement obtained by FOX LA, officials expressed gratitude toward the community and shared their concerns for all affected, especially the officer and their families. Mere hours after the streets were cleared, the parade resumed its course along the festive route.

Meanwhile, the city of Palm Springs and the police department conveyed their sentiments, reiterating their support for the officer and the other victims. "We appreciate the community's support and our thoughts are with the officer, his family and all of those injured today," the city's statement echoed. Chief of Police Andy Mills offered an apology in a heartfelt admission, "I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect," said Chief Mills in a statement given to CBS News. The community waits for a full report on the incident as the investigation proceeds.

As the California Highway Patrol continues its inquiry, they are reaching out to the public for any video and photographic evidence that could aid in piecing together the sequence of events. Any individual with relevant information is encouraged to email it to [email protected].